Konkoma – KonKoma (Soundway SNDW 044CD, 2012)
Konkoma is an excellent London-based Afro-funk band inspired by the sounds of 1970s Ghanaian music. The group was founded by saxophonist Max Grunhard and producer Ben Lamdin (Nostalgia 77). KonKoma includes two highly- respected Ghanaian musicians: guitarist and vocalist Alfred Bannerman and vocalist and keyboardist Emmanuel Rentzos.
Bannerman and Rentzos are well-known in the British African music scene. They are both members of the legendary Afro-rock band, Osibisa. Bannerman was the founding member of teenage Afro-rock band Boombaya. Rentzos has been working with Bannerman since the early 1970s when he was the lead singer of Ghanaian group Santrofi.
Konkoma’s self-titled debut album KonKoma showcases a superb mix of Afrobeat, funk, jazz, soul and Ghanaian music featuring outstanding guitar work plus traditional instruments such as Akan seprewa (Ghanaian harp-lute) and mbira and an irresistible rhythm section.
Konkoma’s lineup includes Emmanuel Rentzos on vocals, keyboards; Reginald ‘JoJo’ Yates on vocals, mbira, seprewa, percussion; Alfred ‘Kari’ Bannerman on guitar, vocals;
Nii Tagoe on vocals, percussion; Jose Joyette on drums; Derrick McIntyre on bass; Scott Baylis on trumpet; Max Grunhard on alto and baritone saxophone; and Ben Hadwen on baritone saxophone, flute.
KonKoma is a splendid debut by one of the finest contemporary Afro-funk bands of our time.
Buy KonKoma
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.